Local History

A Little Biography of Arthur E. Melster

Arthur E. Melster was born in Milwaukee in 1896, the son of Gustov and Austermar Melster. He had one brother, Harvey. The Melster family moved to Hartford when Arthur was very young, later they moved back to Milwaukee and finally located in Cambridge when Arthur was in the sixth grade. He started his leadership in eighth grade when he became Class President. He kept that role all through high school and why not—his class consisted of seven girls and one boy. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1915. Some of his accomplishments included Baseball, Orations, started an orchestra and also the first high school prom. He was “always a leader and active participant.”

Mr. Melster served in the Army in 1918-1919. In 1919 he started work at the Bank of Cambridge. Through his leadership an active Chamber of Commerce was created in Cambridge in 1922 and he served as President of the Chamber for 30 years.

Together with his brother and mother he founded the Melster Candy Company in 1920, which actually started in the kitchen of his parents’ home.

Perhaps one of is greatest contributions, on the 100th Anniversary of the Village of Cambridge, Arthur Melster called business leaders together and presented the idea of a “Cambridge Foundation.” The Foundation was established to receive funds for the betterment of Cambridge and the area. To establish the fund, each of the business leaders contributed $100. Art was elected President of the Foundation and held the position for 30 plus years.

In 1949 he was elected President of the Lake Ripley Country Club. During his tenure there were five remodeling and additions completed. He served in the position for 26 years.

In 1955 he and his wife Loretta moved into their lovely new home.

The Bank grew, the Lake Ripley Country Club became a special area course, Melster Candy Company was a growing community business and he finally took over the reins of the Presidency of the Bank of Cambridge when A. R. Amundson retired.

What a gift this man with all of his talents and leadership gave to the community! As we review his many accomplishments, we can only be grateful for a “Great Giver of Talent and Leadership!”

WHY AND WHEN “THE UMBRELLA”

The umbrella, the symbol that brought great success to the community of Cambridge from 193__ to ___. Tourist interest from surrounding states, a major boost to the local economy and a uniqueness that symbolized Cambridge resulted from this yellow and blue “Umbrella Vacation Spot” theme.

Where did the idea originate? A very caring, thoughtful and creative citizen invited businessmen and citizens to his home and presented the idea, which immediately had unanimous acceptance. The creator was Arthur E. Melster, Cashier of the Bank of Cambridge, but also a local citizen who believed in and supported the community in many creative and ambitious ideas.

Mr. Melster called the meeting in the early 1930’s, and from that point on every entrepreneur supported the idea and theme. All businesses in Cambridge and Lake Ripley donated to the annual advertising budget. Up went the umbrellas, everywhere, on light poles, water tower cover, brochures, individual business stationery, signs with logos placed on highways and, of course, business buildings carried out the theme. Even the special festival theme for summer activities became “Umbrella Days.”

Arthur’s contact with the business community was not just at meetings but on a daily basis as he journeyed across the street to get his morning and afternoon coke at the drug store soda fountain and as he walked the streets giving encouragement to merchants on the value of a united advertising and supporting theme.